Huntsmen to cull deer

Oct 23 2008

Licensed huntsmen will be in Norton Canes to cull deer over the next few weeks in an effort to reduce the herd’s numbers for the deer’s own safety.

At least 10 deer are to be humanely killed around the former Bleak House coalfield area.

The site is classed as an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

The operation, being carried out in a joint partnership between UK Coal and the West Mercia Deer Management Group, is deemed essential as an increase in the deer population would be detrimental on two levels: the amount of damage they cause would increase and their food sources would become scarce.

Stuart Oliver, Spokesman for UK Coal, said: “There are more than 100 deer in one group alone and they breed prolifically.

“Allowing this to continue would significantly increase the damage they are causing.

“If the herd is too big, it would cause the deer problems, too, with food sources such as saplings becoming scarce.

“Culls are carried out at this time of year because it’s the best time - stags become easily visible and the hunters have a better chance of tracking them.”

He said that as owners of the land, UK Coal have the responsibility of managing both the land and the herds.